I have a cheap benchtop drill press. It needs replacement. Finding a large selection fo these seems problematic but if I could narrow it down to 2 or 3 models, I could probably find one. Maybe some of you can help.
The drill press I want will be a benchtop because I’m not willing do devote space to a floor model and have never needed a floor model. The features I want include
1. Variable speeds without pulling belts over pullies. And which can go really SSSLLLOOOWWW if I need it.
2. a GOOD depth gauge or stop.
3. A decent sized table that is easily adjusted up and down, and which will stay securely level when locked down.
4. A light that can be on without turning on the drill itself. (This is something I can modify to suit myself however).
Are there issues I’m missing here? If so, what might they be?
Any recommendations for a decent drill?
Thanks,
Brent
Replies
they all suck big time, had a delta, it was slightly better than a powerdrill guide, now i have an old beaver, not any better
you'd think there would be a market for a good but small drill press
Steve, I don't want a "small" press. I have seen a few that are not much more than a glorified hand drill, and they are junk. What I'm looking for with some thing that is basically a floor press, cut off short. I wish I had some parameters that I could throw out there to make this a bit more objective. Maybe something like a 15" Jet for exammple. (I have yet to actually see one of these.)
Brent
i understand want you want, a good quality short but deep drill press
me too!! i have bench space but not floor space
Cool, we are on the same page.
I have never used a laser equipped press, but I never thought I would really care for one on compound miter saw. Now, I can't live without one on that tool. Would the same thing happen with a laser on a press?
Brent
You could always get a floor model that meets your specs, and then enclose the base so it looks like a bench. ;-)
was thinking the same thing,ralph...eef
Ah yeah, could do that. That would certainly do the trick and save floor space... :)
I could buy a floor model and do an amputation too. That might be more effective at meeting the goal.
BrentD
I got the Jet JDP 12 bench top model about 4 months ago. No complaints. Got a good deal at Amazon after my local dealer said there was no such thing as variable speed in a bench top DP.
I thought the laser was a gimmick too, but actually find it useful in setting up small pieces (like pen blanks) on the table.
I used to have a Craftsman drill press where the head would adjust down just like the DP's table. You could set it on a bench and except for the column sticking up in the air, looked just like a bench model except heavier duty. I suppose that the column could have been cut off if it was really a problem. I really liked that DP and wished I had it back except for two things - the table was not adjustable with rack and pinion and it didn't have a light. It ran so much smoother than the one I have now. This was over thirty years ago so probably would be hard to find now.
How about the Nova Viking 16" Drill Press? https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/nova-drill-press/nova-83700
How about a floor model on a wheeled base and then make it so that the base parks completely under the side of an existing bench? Maybe you could even cut a semi circle in the bench top and bottom shelves so it tucks tightly? So that when it is parked, the head and table top of it are completely over the available bench space? I have the Ridgid on a wheeled base and I love it. Good luck!
The thread is from 2009 so I imagine the original poster has made his decision. The 2020 posts are still valid though, don't get me wrong. I just wouldn't be disappointed if the OP didn't respond.
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